Design and Applied Arts at Colorado Mesa University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mesa University | — | $29,876 | $27,000 | — |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $39,450 | $48,439 | $29,125 | 0.74 |
| University of Denver | $31,104 | — | — | — |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | $29,829 | $42,808 | $46,544 | 1.56 |
| National Median | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Colorado
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver | $10,780 | $39,450 | $29,125 |
| University of Denver Denver | $59,340 | $31,104 | — |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Lakewood | $23,720 | $29,829 | $46,544 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Colorado Mesa University, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.